After breakfast at your hotel, your spiritual journey begins in the heart of Old Cairo, where history and holiness intertwine. With your expert guide from On Trip Egypt, you’ll explore the sacred sites believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their time in Egypt. First, visit the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), one of the oldest churches in Egypt, dramatically suspended above the ancient Roman fortress. Then step into the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), built over the crypt where the Holy Family is said to have taken refuge. Continue to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a site steeped in biblical lore and once believed to be the location of baby Moses’ discovery. You’ll also visit the Coptic Museum, home to a stunning collection of Christian art, manuscripts, and relics that trace the roots of Egypt’s Christian heritage. The day offers not just sightseeing, but a chance to reflect on the resilience and faith of the Holy Family. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, your guide from On Trip Egypt will escort you to the sacred district of Matariya, where the Holy Family is believed to have rested under the shade of a sycamore tree. Here, you’ll visit the revered Virgin Mary Tree, a living symbol of refuge and grace, and the Holy Spring, said to have miraculously flowed to quench their thirst. The atmosphere is serene, offering a moment for quiet reflection and prayer. Next, continue to Zeitoun, a modern pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared above the church’s domes in 1968, witnessed by thousands. You’ll visit the Church of the Apparition, a place of deep reverence and spiritual energy, where faith and mystery converge. Return to your hotel in Cairo for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, your guide from On Trip Egypt will lead you northeast into the Nile Delta, where the Holy Family’s journey took them through fertile lands and ancient cities. Your first stop is Tel Basta, near the modern city of Zagazig. Here, tradition holds that the infant Jesus caused a spring to flow from the earth, and you’ll visit the remains of this sacred well along with ruins of the ancient city once known for its worship of Bastet, the feline goddess. The contrast between pagan ruins and Christian reverence makes this site uniquely powerful. Continue onward to Belbeis, where the Holy Family is believed to have rested beneath a sycamore tree. Visit the Church of St. George, built to commemorate their stay, and take time for quiet reflection in this peaceful town. In the late afternoon, return to Cairo for dinner and rest. Overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, your guide from On Trip Egypt will accompany you on a spiritual retreat into the desert valley of Wadi El Natrun, one of the most significant monastic centres in Christian history. This tranquil region is home to four surviving monasteries, each offering a glimpse into centuries of devotion, resilience, and solitude. Begin with a visit to the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, where the saint’s incorrupt body is said to rest, and where the Holy Family is believed to have passed through during their flight. Continue to the Monastery of El-Suryan, known for its ancient manuscripts and serene courtyards. You’ll also explore St. Macarius Monastery, a spiritual stronghold founded in the 4th century, and St. Pishoy’s Monastery, rich in relics and monastic tradition. Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to meet monks, learn about their way of life, and reflect in peaceful surroundings. Return to Cairo in the late afternoon, filled with the quiet strength of the desert’s sacred silence. Overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, begin your journey southward from Cairo to the city of Minya, a region steeped in biblical tradition and natural beauty. Along the way, your guide from On Trip Egypt will share stories of the Holy Family’s passage through this fertile stretch of the Nile Valley. Your main destination today is Gabal El Teir—translated as “Mountain of the Birds”—where the Holy Family is believed to have taken shelter in a cave carved into the limestone cliffs. Visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, dramatically perched above the Nile, offering panoramic views and a profound sense of spiritual serenity. This site is one of the most revered stops along the Holy Family route, and its quiet majesty invites reflection and prayer. After exploring the monastery and surrounding village, continue to your hotel in Minya for dinner and rest. Overnight in Minya.

After breakfast, enjoy a slower-paced day in Minya, allowing time to absorb the spiritual energy of the region and connect with its vibrant local culture. Your guide from On Trip Egypt will lead you through the city’s historic quarters, where you’ll visit local churches that continue to honor the legacy of the Holy Family’s passage. Stroll through Minya’s lively markets, where traditional crafts, spices, and textiles offer a glimpse into everyday Egyptian life. For those interested in ancient history, an optional excursion to Tuna El-Gebel—a Greco-Roman necropolis—and Beni Hassan, known for its beautifully preserved Middle Kingdom tombs, can be arranged. In the evening, gather for a cultural dinner hosted by On Trip Egypt, featuring regional dishes and stories shared by local hosts. Overnight in Minya.

After breakfast, depart Minya and journey further south to the spiritually significant city of Assiut, a key stop on the Holy Family’s route. Your guide from On Trip Egypt will lead you to the revered Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Durunka, nestled high in the cliffs overlooking the Nile Valley. This monastery is built near a cave where the Holy Family is believed to have found shelter during their flight into Egypt. The site offers breathtaking views and a deeply peaceful atmosphere, making it a powerful place for prayer and reflection. You’ll have time to explore the monastery’s chapels, learn about its history from resident monks, and take in the panoramic vistas of the river and surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, enjoy a quiet walk through the nearby village or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Assiut.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Assiut and begin your journey south to Luxor, the ancient city once known as Thebes—the spiritual and political heart of ancient Egypt. As you travel along the Nile Valley, your guide from On Trip Egypt will share stories that connect the Holy Family’s journey with Egypt’s broader spiritual heritage. Upon arrival in Luxor, visit Karnak temples , the largest religious construction ever built  by mankind , the house of Amun-Ra , with its splendid columns and statues of ancient kings and Pharos , after your trip in Karnak  check into your hotel and enjoy a brief rest before heading out for an unforgettable evening visit to the Luxor Temple. Illuminated at night, this majestic site offers a breath-taking introduction to Egypt’s pharaonic legacy. Walk through colossal columns and statues as your guide reveals the temple’s layered history—from its dedication to Amun-Ra to its later use as a Roman church and Islamic mosque. Afterward, enjoy dinner along the Nile promenade, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Overnight in Luxor onboard the Nile Cruise 

Begin your day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank—a breathtaking experience as the morning light reveals ancient temples, desert cliffs, and the winding Nile below. (Advance booking recommended.)

After breakfast, cross the Nile with your guide from On Trip Egypt to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s greatest pharaohs were laid to rest. Descend into ornately decorated tombs, including those of Ramses II and Tutankhamun, and witness the vivid artistry that tells stories of the afterlife.

Continue to the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This architectural marvel honours one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Following your exploration, return to your Nile cruise ship for a freshly prepared lunch onboard. As the afternoon unfolds, your vessel begins its journey southward, sailing through the Esna Lock, a fascinating experience as the ship is gently lowered to continue along the Nile.

Enjoy the serene views from the deck as you cruise toward Edfu, where ancient wonders await. Dinner is served onboard, followed by evening entertainment or quiet time under the stars. Overnight on board as you drift peacefully toward the next chapter of your journey.

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the Nile as your cruise docks in Edfu, home to one of Egypt’s most magnificent temples. After breakfast onboard, your guide from On Trip Egypt will escort you by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god of protection. This Ptolemaic masterpiece is remarkably well-preserved, with towering pylons, detailed reliefs, and a sacred sanctuary that evokes the grandeur of ancient worship.

Return to the cruise ship for a freshly prepared lunch onboard, and continue sailing south toward Kom Ombo, where the Nile bends dramatically. Upon arrival, explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder, god of healing and protection. The temple’s symmetrical design and riverside setting make it one of the most photogenic sites on the Nile. Don’t miss the adjacent Crocodile Museum, which houses mummified crocodiles and artefacts from the temple’s rituals.

After your visit, reboard the cruise and enjoy a peaceful sail toward Aswan, watching the sun dip below the horizon as the river narrows and the landscape shifts. Dinner is served onboard, followed by optional evening entertainment or quiet reflection under the stars. Overnight on board, docked in Aswan.

After breakfast onboard your Nile cruise, begin your day with a visit to the enchanting Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most beautiful and spiritually resonant monuments. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of healing and motherhood, this temple was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam. Reach it by motorboat, gliding across the calm waters of Lake Nasser, and explore its elegant courtyards, hieroglyph-covered walls, and sacred sanctuaries.

Next, visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that tamed the Nile and transformed Egypt’s agricultural landscape. Learn about its construction, strategic importance, and impact on the region’s development.

Return to the cruise ship for a freshly prepared lunch onboard, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on deck as the river flows gently past palm groves and granite outcrops.

In the late afternoon, you have the option to visit a Nubian village, where you’ll be welcomed with warmth and color. Explore traditional homes, sample local delicacies, and learn about Nubian customs, music, and crafts. It’s a joyful and authentic cultural experience that adds depth to your journey.

Dinner is served onboard, followed by a peaceful evening under the stars. Overnight on board, docked in Aswan.

After breakfast onboard your Nile cruise, disembark for a final day of spiritual and cultural exploration in Aswan. Your guide from On Trip Egypt will lead you to the peaceful Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Though less visited than other sites, this monastery offers a quiet space for reflection and stunning views of the Nile and desert beyond. Learn about Saint Simon’s legacy and the enduring strength of Egypt’s Christian communities.

Next, visit the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, also known as Aswan Cathedral. This modern yet majestic church is a symbol of faith and unity, with its twin towers and spacious interior offering a serene atmosphere for prayer and contemplation.

Return to the cruise ship for a farewell lunch onboard, enjoying one last taste of Egyptian hospitality as you reflect on the journey’s spiritual and cultural richness.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Aswan Railway Station, where you’ll board your overnight sleeper train to Cairo. Settle into your private cabin and enjoy dinner onboard as the train glides northward through the Nile Valley. Overnight on the train to Cairo.

After breakfast onboard your overnight train, arrive in Cairo and meet your guide from On Trip Egypt for the final chapter of your journey. Begin with a visit to the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as well as the iconic Sphinx. Stand before these timeless monuments and reflect on the grandeur of ancient Egypt—a fitting contrast to the spiritual path you’ve followed over the past two weeks.

Next, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—Egypt’s newest and most spectacular cultural landmark. Located near the pyramids, this world-class museum houses thousands of artifacts, including the full collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, royal mummies, and interactive exhibits that bring Egypt’s history to life. Your guide will highlight key pieces and stories that connect ancient civilization with the sacred journey of the Holy Family.

After lunch at a local restaurant or within the museum complex, you’ll be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure. As you leave Egypt, carry with you the blessings, memories, and spiritual depth of a truly transformative experience.

Farewell from On Trip Egypt—until your next sacred adventure.